Danny Rohl walked out of Ibrox on a rainy Tuesday, briefcase in hand, after just eight months at the helm of Rangers. He is set to take charge of Red Bull Salzburg, the Austrian giants who finished the 2025‑26 season with 84 points.
Rohl’s exit leaves a vacuum at the helm of one of Scotland’s most storied clubs, and the name that kept surfacing on fans’ forums is Steven McInnes, the former Celtic midfielder who has been working as a pundit since hanging up his boots.
Why does this matter?
The timing is crucial. Rangers sit second in the Scottish Premiership, three points behind Celtic, and their Europa League group stage hopes hinge on a steady hand. A new manager could either stabilise the squad or disrupt the rhythm that has seen them climb back into title contention.
For the Austrian side, Rohl brings a track record of turning under‑performing squads into disciplined units – he lifted Brechin City from the bottom of League Two to a mid‑table finish in 2023‑24. Salzburg hope his British‑style intensity will translate to the Bundesliga, where they aim to break Bayern’s dominance.
What happens next?
Rangers have not named a replacement. Club chairman John Bennett said in a brief statement that the board “will act swiftly to ensure continuity.” No official comment has been made about McInnes, but his agent confirmed he is in “advanced discussions” with the club.
Meanwhile, Salzburg released a press note confirming Rohl’s appointment on a three‑year contract, praising his “modern tactical approach.” The Austrian league will begin its season in July, giving Rohl just weeks to imprint his philosophy.
Who is affected?
Rangers’ players, especially the young Scottish talents who have thrived under Rohl’s mentorship, face uncertainty. Fans fear a lost season could jeopardise the club’s European revenue, which topped £70 million last year.
Salzburg’s supporters, accustomed to a high‑pressing, attacking brand of football, will be watching closely to see if the Scottish coach can maintain the club’s recent domestic success while competing in the Champions League.
For the broader UK football market, McInnes’ potential appointment could signal a shift toward hiring domestically‑grown managers with playing experience, a trend that may reshape hiring practices across the league.
Why does this matter to you?
Rohl’s move illustrates how quickly managerial fortunes can change in modern football, affecting ticket prices, merchandise sales, and even local economies that rely on match‑day revenue. A new coach at Rangers could alter the competitive balance of the Premiership, influencing TV rights negotiations that impact viewers nationwide.
Stay tuned: as the transfer window closes, the next name on Rangers’ shortlist could arrive any day, and the football world will be watching to see if McInnes finally gets his big break.